Velana International Airport has commenced testing its fuel hydrant network.
Operated by MACL, the airport's new hydrant system, integrated with the recently developed fuel farm, is set to undergo testing and operational use in early 2024.
Constructed by perforating holes beneath the runway, the fuel hydrant network promises a remarkable 70% reduction in the refueling process time, according to MACL. Previously taking an hour for wide-body aircraft refueling, the new system is expected to streamline the process to approximately 15 minutes.
Currently, planes are refueled by transferring fuel from the fuel farm to oil bowsers.
MACL has indicated that upon the network's operational readiness, it will be utilized in conjunction with the new fuel farm.
While the former fuel farm at the airport boasts a 15-million-liter capacity, the new fuel farm's capacity has expanded by an impressive 45 million liters. Equipped with three fuel storage tanks, the combined capacity of the new fuel farm will reach 60 million liters.
With this enhancement, the new fuel farm will have the capability to release an average of 1.5 million liters per day. The fuel farm area is designed with a dedicated jetty to facilitate the approach of boats transporting fuel.
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